Herb

Xu Chang Qing

Paniculate swallowwort root | 徐长卿

Also known as:

Liao Diao Zhu (寮刁竹) , Zhu Ye Xi Xin (竹叶细辛)

Xu Chang Qing

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Properties

Wind-Damp dispelling herbs (祛风湿药) · Warm

Traditionally supports*

Pain Management Skin Health Joint and Muscle Health Digestive Health

Parts Used

Root (根 gēn)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About This Herb

Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties

Herb Description

Xu Chang Qing is a versatile pain-relieving herb in Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to address a wide range of painful conditions including joint pain, stomach pain, toothache, and menstrual cramps. It is also one of the most effective herbs for itchy skin conditions such as hives and eczema, and has a long folk history of treating snakebite. Because it contains volatile compounds, it should be added late when decocting (added in the last 5 minutes of cooking).

Herb Category

Wind-Damp dispelling herbs (祛风湿药) Wind-Damp dispelling pain-relieving herbs (祛风湿止痛药)

Main Actions

  • Dispels Wind and Stops Pain
  • Drains Dampness
  • Relieves Itching
  • Invigorates Blood and resolves toxins
  • Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
  • Reduces Swelling

How These Actions Work

'Dispels Wind and stops pain' is the primary action of Xu Chang Qing and the reason it is classified among the Wind-Damp dispelling herbs. 'Wind' in TCM refers to a pathogenic influence that causes wandering pain, stiffness, and spasms. Xu Chang Qing's pungent, warm nature allows it to scatter Wind and Cold from the channels and collaterals, easing pain in the joints, lower back, stomach, and teeth. It is remarkably versatile in this regard, used for pain caused by Wind-Damp obstruction (rheumatic conditions), Cold stagnation (stomach pain worsened by cold), Qi stagnation, or Blood stasis. Modern research has confirmed significant analgesic activity from its main active compound, paeonol.

'Resolves Dampness' means Xu Chang Qing can transform and disperse Dampness that lodges in the muscles, joints, and skin. Dampness in TCM causes heaviness, swelling, and sticky or weeping skin lesions. This action, combined with its Wind-dispelling property, makes it particularly effective for eczema and other damp skin conditions.

'Stops itching' is a key clinical strength. In TCM, itching is most commonly attributed to Wind. Xu Chang Qing's ability to expel Wind from the skin surface makes it a go-to herb for hives (urticaria), eczema, contact dermatitis, and other itchy rashes. It can be taken internally as a tea or applied externally as a wash.

'Invigorates Blood and resolves toxins' refers to its secondary ability to promote circulation and counteract toxic substances. This supports its traditional use for traumatic injuries (where Blood stasis causes pain and swelling) and for venomous snakebite. The saying 'when Blood moves, Wind naturally ceases' (血行风自灭) explains why its Blood-invigorating action also helps chronic, stubborn skin conditions.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Xu Chang Qing is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.

The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.

Why Xu Chang Qing addresses this pattern

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi (painful obstruction) occurs when Wind, Cold, and Dampness invade the channels and block the flow of Qi and Blood in the joints and muscles. Xu Chang Qing's pungent taste disperses and moves, while its warm nature drives out Cold. It enters the Liver channel, which governs the sinews, allowing it to directly relieve joint and muscle stiffness. Its Wind-dispelling and Dampness-resolving actions address two of the three pathogenic factors simultaneously, while its pain-relieving action provides symptomatic relief. It is broadly effective across all subtypes of Bi syndrome, though its warmth makes it especially suited when Cold is prominent.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Moving Pain

Wandering or fixed joint pain worsened by cold and damp weather

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain and stiffness

Muscle Pain

Heaviness and aching in the limbs

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)

Channels Entered
Liver Stomach
Parts Used

Root (根 gēn)

This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page

Product Details

Manufacturing, supplier, and product specifications

Product Type

Granules

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Botanical & Sourcing

Quality Indicators

Good quality Xu Chang Qing root is identified by a strong, distinctive aromatic fragrance (described historically as resembling Xi Xin / Asarum). The roots should be pale yellowish-white to light brownish-yellow on the surface, with fine longitudinal wrinkles. When broken, the cross-section should be powdery (粉性), with a whitish to pale yellow cortex, a visible light brown cambium ring, and a small central woody core. The root should be brittle and snap cleanly. The whole herb should have greyish-green stems with a slightly purplish base. Taste should be slightly acrid with a cooling sensation. Avoid material that has lost its fragrance (indicating loss of volatile paeonol), is darkened, or shows signs of mould. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, paeonol content is used as the quality control indicator.

Primary Growing Regions

Widely distributed across most of China. Principal producing regions include Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. The Ming Yi Bie Lu records it growing in Tai Shan (Mount Tai, Shandong) and Longxi (Gansu). In the Song dynasty, Su Song noted that good material came from the Zi-Qi (Shandong) and Huai-Si (Jiangsu/Anhui) regions. Shandong (especially the Linyi area) remains an important traditional production area. The plant also grows in Korea, Japan, and Mongolia.

Harvesting Season

Autumn. The roots and rhizomes are dug up in autumn, cleaned of soil and impurities, and dried in the shade.

Supplier Information

Treasure of the East

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Miscellaneous Info

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Usage & Safety

How to use this herb and important safety information

Important Medical Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. This herb is a dietary supplement and has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions.

Recommended Dosage

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Instructions for safe storage and consumption

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Traditional Dosage Reference

Standard

3-12g

Maximum

Up to 15-30g in some folk prescriptions for severe pain or wind-damp conditions, under practitioner supervision. Standard pharmacopoeia range is 3-12g.

Notes

The standard dosage of 3-12g is used in decoction for most indications including wind-damp pain, stomach pain, and skin itching. For stronger analgesic effects or wind-damp conditions, folk recipes sometimes use up to 24-30g (八钱至一两), often combined with rice wine or prepared with pork. When used as a powder, typical doses are 1.5-3g per serving. As an injection preparation (in clinical settings in China), 2-4ml of 100% solution has been used intramuscularly. The volatile paeonol is the herb's primary active compound, so the decoction must not be boiled for extended periods. When making a decoction, add the herb in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking (后下, hou xia) to preserve the aromatics.

Processing Methods

Processing method

The raw root and rhizome are quickly washed, cut into short segments (approximately 1.5 cm), and dried in the shade or at low temperature. Because the active volatile compound paeonol evaporates easily, the herb must not be soaked for long or dried at high heat.

How it changes properties

This is the standard processed form used in clinical practice. The cutting into segments is primarily for ease of dispensing and decocting. The thermal nature and taste remain essentially unchanged (pungent, warm). The key clinical instruction is that Xu Chang Qing must be added late to the decoction (后下, added in the last 5 minutes of boiling) to preserve its volatile active compounds, particularly paeonol.

When to use this form

This is the default form used in all clinical applications. There are no major alternative processing methods that change the herb's properties. The emphasis is on correct decoction technique (adding the herb late) rather than on different processed forms.

Toxicity Classification

Non-toxic

Classified as non-toxic (无毒) in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and most mainstream texts, though the Ming Yi Bie Lu records an entry for 'Shi Xia Chang Qing' (石下长卿) as salty, neutral, and 'having toxicity,' and Tao Hongjing also considered it potentially toxic. Li Shizhen noted that herbs used to treat ghost-related conditions often have some degree of toxicity and leaned toward the Bie Lu view. In modern usage, the herb is considered safe at standard dosages. Its main active compound, paeonol, is a simple phenolic with a wide safety margin. Animal studies show that the LD50 of the de-paeonol extract given intraperitoneally to mice is approximately 32.9 g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. Intravenous injection in rabbits at 5 g/kg caused brief seizures lasting 30-60 seconds, after which animals recovered fully. Some individuals may experience mild dry mouth or dry throat after ingestion. Overdose or use in constitutionally weak patients may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Contraindications

Caution

People with constitutional weakness or Qi deficiency (体弱者) should use with caution, as the herb's dispersing and Wind-expelling nature may further deplete Qi.

Caution

Use with caution in pregnancy. The herb's Blood-moving and channel-unblocking properties may pose theoretical risks during pregnancy. Safety data in pregnancy is insufficient.

Caution

Do not boil for extended periods. The active volatile components, particularly paeonol, are easily lost with prolonged decoction, significantly reducing therapeutic effect.

Special Populations

Pregnancy

No specific safety data for pregnancy is available. The herb has Blood-moving (活血) and channel-unblocking properties, which are traditionally considered potentially problematic during pregnancy. While it is not listed among the classical pregnancy-prohibited herbs, caution is warranted. Pregnant women should avoid use unless specifically prescribed by a qualified practitioner who has weighed the risks.

Breastfeeding

No specific safety data exists for use during breastfeeding. The herb's main active component, paeonol, is a small phenolic molecule that could theoretically pass into breast milk. Given the lack of direct evidence, cautious use at standard dosages is advised if clinically necessary. Consultation with a qualified practitioner is recommended.

Pediatric Use

No specific paediatric dosage guidelines are established in classical or modern texts. For children, dosage should be reduced proportionally based on age and body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. The herb is generally mild, but it should only be given to children under practitioner supervision. As with all aromatic herbs, decoction time should be kept short to preserve the active volatile components.

Drug Interactions

Antihypertensive medications: Pharmacological studies show that Xu Chang Qing and its key compound paeonol can lower blood pressure through vasodilation (calcium channel inhibition). Concurrent use with antihypertensive drugs could theoretically potentiate their blood pressure-lowering effects. Blood pressure should be monitored if used together.

Sedative and CNS-depressant drugs: The herb has demonstrated sedative and analgesic effects in animal models, reducing spontaneous activity. Concurrent use with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants could theoretically enhance sedation, though clinical data is lacking.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: The herb has traditional Blood-moving (活血) properties. While no direct clinical interaction data exists, caution is prudent when combining with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications.

Dietary Advice

No specific dietary restrictions are traditionally associated with this herb. As a warm, acrid herb used for wind-damp conditions and pain, it pairs well with warming, easily digestible foods. When using the herb for skin conditions (eczema, hives), it may be helpful to avoid foods that are considered 'triggering' in Chinese dietary tradition, such as shellfish, alcohol, spicy food, and lamb, which may aggravate wind and heat in the skin.

Cautions & Warnings

Although this formula is typically safe for most individuals, it may cause side effects in some people. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, postpartum women, and those with liver disease should use the formula with caution.

As with any Chinese herbal remedy, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner before beginning treatment.